Endoscope system and endoscope packaging

Abstract

An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a packaging member. The endoscope includes an insertion section having a bending section, an operation section, and a connector connected to an external device. The packaging member packages the insertion section and the operation section in a sterilized state and arranges the connector outside. The packaging member is formed with a dome-shaped section having a space in which the bending section is bendable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system and an endoscope packaging package for packaging at least a portion thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, endoscopes are used to observe objects within a body and include an insertion section for insertion into the body. In the case of electronic endoscopes, a camera device with an objective lens optical system and an imaging element is installed at the front end of the insertion section. Depending on the configuration of the camera device at the front end of the insertion section, endoscopes can be classified as direct-viewing endoscopes for observation along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section, or as side-viewing endoscopes for observation along a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the insertion section.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-173376 describes a side-viewing endoscope with an observation window on the side of the front end.

[0004] In addition, endoscopes include reusable endoscopes that can be used multiple times through reprocessing and disposable endoscopes that can be used only once.

[0005] Single-use endoscopes are sterilized while sealed in a sterile package and shipped while still sterile. Single-use endoscopes are discarded after a single use and require no further processing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An endoscope system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an endoscope having: an insertion portion having a flexible bending portion; an operating portion connected to the insertion portion; and a connector connected to an external device; a package that packages the insertion portion and the operating portion to maintain the insertion portion and the operating portion in a sterile state, the connector being disposed outside thereon; and a dome-shaped portion formed in the package that has an internal space in which the bending portion can be freely bent, the bending portion being disposed in the space.

[0007] An endoscope packaging according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a packaging body that packages a first portion of an endoscope; a dome-shaped portion contained within the packaging body and having an internal space; and a sealing member formed at a predetermined position on the packaging body, wherein a second portion of the endoscope is disposed outside the predetermined position. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dome-shaped portion of the packaging component provided in the first embodiment described above, which corresponds to the side-viewing endoscope.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dome-shaped portion of the packaging component provided in the first embodiment described above, corresponding to the direct-viewing endoscope.

[0011] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a scenario where the endoscope system of the first embodiment described above is connected to an endoscope processor for pre-use inspection.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the configuration of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the configuration of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the basic configuration of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a specific configuration example of the endoscope system in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the joining member that engages with the packaging in the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the engagement position of the packaging and the engagement member in the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment described above. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Generally, pre-use checks of endoscopes are performed by connecting them to the endoscope processor and light source, thus requiring the packaging to be opened for these checks. When the packaging is opened, the endoscope comes into contact with the air in the endoscopy chamber. This introduces a risk of airborne bacteria, fallen bacteria, and other environmental microorganisms attaching to the endoscope before it is inserted into the patient's body.

[0019] Therefore, it is preferable to minimize the time from opening the package to inserting the endoscope into the patient's body, reduce the time the endoscope is exposed to air, and minimize damage to the sterilization process.

[0020] According to the embodiments described below, it is possible to provide an endoscope system and an endoscope package that can reduce the risk of environmental bacteria adhering to the endoscope after it is removed from the package.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are appropriately used to label the same or corresponding elements. It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic; for the sake of brevity, the length relationships, length ratios, and quantities of elements within a single drawing may sometimes differ from reality. Moreover, multiple drawings may sometimes contain sections with different length relationships or ratios.

[0023] [First Implementation]

[0024] Figures 1 to 4 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 This is a top view showing the configuration of the endoscope system in the first embodiment.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope system includes an endoscope 1 and a package 2. The endoscope 1 may be a single-use endoscope that is discarded (disposaled) after only one use.

[0026] The endoscope 1 has an insertion part 11, an operation part 12, and a universal cable 13.

[0027] The insertion part 11 is the portion that is inserted into the body cavity of the subject. Furthermore, the subject into which the insertion part 11 is inserted is, for example, a living organism such as a human or an animal.

[0028] The insertion part 11 has a front end 11a, a bent part 11b and a flexible tube part 11c in sequence from the front end side to the base end side.

[0029] Endoscope 1 is configured as an electronic endoscope, for example, with a camera device 14 (see reference) provided in the front end 11a to capture images of the subject. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The camera device 14 is equipped with an objective lens optical system and a camera element. The objective lens optical system forms an optical image, and the camera element performs photoelectric conversion on the formed optical image to output a camera signal.

[0030] The insertion section 11 is equipped with a signal line, a light guide, a bending wire, and a treatment instrument channel. The signal line is connected to the camera device 14. The light guide transmits illumination light. The bending wire bends the bending section 11b. An endoscope treatment instrument is inserted into the treatment instrument channel.

[0031] The front end face of the front end 11a is provided with an illumination window on the front side of the light guide, an observation window on the front side of the objective lens optical system, and an opening on the front side of the processing instrument channel.

[0032] The bending portion 11b is a bendable part disposed on the base end side of the front end portion 11a. The bending portion 11b is configured, for example, to be able to bend in two directions or in four directions: up, down, left, and right.

[0033] When the curved portion 11b bends, the direction of the front end portion 11a changes, and the observation direction of the camera device 14 changes. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The direction of the optical axis O of the objective lens optical system of the imaging device 14 shown changes, as does the direction of illumination light from the light guide. In addition, the curved portion 11b is also bent to improve the insertability of the insertion portion 11 within the subject.

[0034] The flexible tube portion 11c is a flexible tube portion disposed on the base end side of the bending portion 11b. Furthermore, a flexible endoscope having the flexible tube portion 11c is taken as an example here, but it can also be a rigid endoscope where the portion corresponding to the flexible tube portion 11c is rigid.

[0035] The operation section 12 is connected to the base end side of the insertion section 11 and is used for operating the endoscope 1. The operation section 12 includes a grip section 12a, a bendable operation knob 12b, multiple operation buttons 12c, and a treatment instrument insertion port 12d.

[0036] The gripping part 12a is the part where the operator holds the endoscope 1 with their palm.

[0037] The bending operation knob 12b is an operating device for bending the bending portion 11b using, for example, the thumb of the hand holding the handle 12a. When the bending operation knob 12b is operated, the bending line is pulled, and the bending portion 11b is bent.

[0038] The multiple operating buttons 12c include, for example, an air / liquid delivery button, an aspiration button, and camera-related buttons. The air / liquid delivery button is used to clean the observation window of the front end 11a by delivering air / liquid through an air / liquid delivery channel (not shown). The aspiration button is used to aspirate fluids, mucous membranes, etc., from the subject through a treatment device channel, which also serves as an aspiration channel. Camera-related buttons include, for example, push-button switches for release operations.

[0039] The treatment instrument insertion port 12d is an opening on the base side of the treatment instrument channel. Various treatment instruments, such as pliers, are inserted into the treatment instrument channel through the treatment instrument insertion port 12d. The front end of the treatment instrument protrudes from the front end opening of the treatment instrument channel provided at the front end 11a to perform various treatments.

[0040] One end of the universal cable 13 is connected to a side of the operating unit 12, for example, the base end side. A connector 13a for connecting to an external device is provided at the other end of the universal cable 13. Furthermore, when the operating unit 12 is the starting point, one end of the universal cable 13 is the base end, and the other end is the tip end. Hereinafter, instead of "one end" and "other end," "base end," "tip end," etc., will be referred to as the universal cable 13.

[0041] Additionally, an example is shown here where the connector 13a is provided at the front end of the universal cable 13. Alternatively, the connector 13a may be provided directly in the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1, without passing through the universal cable 13.

[0042] The packaging 2 is configured as a sterile packaging (sterilized encapsulation). The packaging 2 encapsulates the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12, which are the first part of the endoscope 1, within the packaging body 2X, maintaining the sterile state of the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12. A connector 13a, which is a part different from the first part of the endoscope 1 (the second part), is disposed on the outer side of the outer edge of the packaging body 2X. A sealing member 2a is provided at a predetermined position on the packaging 2 (packaging body 2X) to seal the space 2b containing the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12. In the first embodiment, the sealing member 2a is provided at the outer edge of the packaging 2 (the outer edge of the packaging body 2X). The sealing member 2a is, for example, formed by heat sealing by heating and pressurizing two sheets constituting the packaging 2 to achieve fusion bonding. Furthermore, in addition to heat sealing, the portion of the universal cable 13 overlapping the sealing member 2a may also be coated with an adhesive or filler. Such an adhesive or filler can improve the sealing performance.

[0043] Within the space 2b sealed by the seal 2a, for example, the base end side of the universal cable 13 connected to the operating part 12 is also disposed. A portion of the universal cable 13 other than the base end side and the connector 13a are disposed outside the package 2. That is, the universal cable 13 extends from the inside of the package 2 to the outside through the seal 2a. Here, a portion of the universal cable 13 is the portion of the universal cable 13 excluding the base end side and the connector 13a.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dome-shaped portion 2c of the packaging 2 provided in the first embodiment, which corresponds to the side-viewing endoscope.

[0045] In the packaging component 2, a dome-shaped portion 2c with a bulge different from that of the packaging component body 2X is integrally formed with the packaging component body 2X. The dome-shaped portion 2c has an internal space 2d, within which a front end portion 11a and a curved portion 11b are disposed. The space 2d within the dome-shaped portion 2c is shaped to allow the curved portion 11b to bend freely in size and shape.

[0046] In order to make the curved portion 11b visually identifiable from the outside, the dome-shaped portion 2c has a portion formed as transparent or translucent on at least one side of the package 2. The shape of the dome-shaped portion 2c includes a sphere or a cube, and can be any shape as long as the curved portion 11b is flexible enough to bend freely.

[0047] Furthermore, the dome-shaped portion 2c has at least a portion of a white balance region 2e. This white region 2e is positioned within the field of view of the imaging device 14 along the optical axis O when the curved portion 11b is in a neutral curved state (curved and straightened state). The endoscope 1 is packaged in the packaging 2 with the curved portion 11b in a neutral curved state. Therefore, the endoscope system is shipped with the white region 2e within the field of view of the imaging device 14.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of a side-viewing endoscope 1 is shown, wherein the optical axis O of the objective lens optical system of the imaging device 14 is oriented in a direction intersecting the length axis of the insertion portion 11. When the curved portion 11b is in a bent neutral state, a white area 2e is formed, for example, on the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion 2c in the direction of the optical axis O of the objective lens optical system of the imaging device 14.

[0049] in addition, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the dome-shaped portion 2c of the packaging 2 provided in the first embodiment, which corresponds to the direct-viewing endoscope.

[0050] Figure 3 An example of a direct-viewing endoscope is shown, where the optical axis O of the objective lens optical system of the imaging device 14 is parallel to the length axis of the insertion portion 11. When the curved portion 11b is in a neutral curved state, a white region 2e is formed, for example, on the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion 2c in the direction of the optical axis O of the objective lens optical system of the imaging device 14. Alternatively, the white region 2e may also be provided on the outer surface of the transparent or translucent portion of the dome-shaped portion 2c. In this case, the white balance adjustment described later is performed in the same manner as when the white region 2e is formed on the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion 2c.

[0051] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the situation where the endoscope system of the first embodiment is connected to the endoscope processor 3 for pre-use inspection.

[0052] Endoscopic processor 3 is Figure 1 The external devices of the endoscope system shown are as follows. The endoscope processor 3 is connected to the monitor 4, for example. In addition, the endoscope processor 3 is described below as also serving as a light source device, but the light source device may also be configured separately from the endoscope processor 3.

[0053] The endoscope processor 3 receives the camera signal from the camera device 14. The endoscope processor 3 performs various image processing operations on the camera signal, such as de-mosaicing, noise correction, color correction, contrast correction, and gamma correction, to generate a displayable image signal. The endoscope processor 3 can also overlay various information, such as character information and guidance information, onto the image signal.

[0054] Furthermore, the endoscope processor 3 can also be configured to read and execute processing programs stored in a storage device (or recording medium) such as a memory using a processor including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to implement the functions of each part. Additionally, the endoscope processor 3 can also be configured, at least in part, as a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0055] With the endoscope 1 still containing the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12, the connector 13a disposed outside the packaging 2 is connected to the endoscope processor 3.

[0056] When connector 13a is connected to endoscope processor 3, the light guide and signal line are connected to endoscope processor 3.

[0057] Before inserting the endoscope 1 into the patient, the endoscope 1, packaged in package 2, is subjected to a pre-use inspection. For example, white balance adjustment and bending motion confirmation are performed.

[0058] When the endoscope processor 3 and endoscope 1 are set to white balance mode, white balance adjustment will begin. As described above, the white area 2e is within the field of view of the camera device 14, so white balance adjustment can begin even without adjusting the curvature of the curved portion 11b.

[0059] The endoscope processor 3, which also functions as a light source, supplies illumination light (white light) to the light guide of the endoscope 1. The light guide illuminates the incoming illumination light through the illumination window at the front end. When the curved section 11b is in a neutral curved state, the illumination light illuminating the endoscope through the illumination window reaches the white area 2e and is reflected by the white area 2e to become return light.

[0060] The endoscope processor 3 sends a drive signal and power to the imaging device 14. The imaging device 14 captures an optical image of the white area 2e according to the drive signal, generating an imaging signal. The imaging performed by the imaging device 14 is, for example, performed sequentially frame by frame, generating a dynamic image of multiple frames. The imaging signal is transmitted to the endoscope processor 3 via a signal line.

[0061] The endoscope processor 3 receives the camera signal and performs image processing as described above. The endoscope processor 3 performs at least one of, for example, adjusting the RGB light intensity balance of white light and adjusting the gain of the RGB components of the image signal, to make the white balance of the image appropriate.

[0062] At this time, the image signal generated by the endoscope processor 3 can be displayed on the monitor 4 along with indicators representing the balance of the R, G, and B signals in the image signal. The user can then view the white balance adjustment status.

[0063] In addition, the bending motion of endoscope 1 was confirmed to be performed as follows.

[0064] Endoscope 1 is sometimes an electrically driven bending endoscope, for example, driven by a drive source such as an actuator, to pull the bending wire. In this case, the bending action of endoscope 1 can be confirmed by sending a bending control signal from endoscope processor 3 to endoscope 1.

[0065] Furthermore, even when endoscope 1 is a manually bendable endoscope or an electrically bendable endoscope, there may be situations where the user wants to confirm the bend operation by operating the bend operation knob 12b. In these cases, the user operates the bend operation knob 12b of the endoscope 1, which is packaged in the packaging 2, by holding it from the outside. In this case, the packaging 2 can be made of a soft material that allows the user to operate the bend operation knob 12b. Additionally, the portion of the packaging 2 that houses the bend operation knob 12b is made transparent or translucent, allowing the bend operation knob 12b to be visually identifiable from the outside.

[0066] As described above, the dome-shaped portion 2c is also provided with a transparent or semi-transparent portion that is visually identifiable from the outside as the curved portion 11b. Therefore, the user can visually confirm from the outside of the dome-shaped portion 2c whether the front end 11a and the curved portion 11b have been bent according to the bending control signal or the operation of the bending operation knob 12b.

[0067] Furthermore, when the curved portion 11b is bent from its neutral bending state, the scenery outside the packaging 2 will enter the field of view of the camera device 14 through the dome-shaped portion 2c. Therefore, the user can also check the camera performance of the camera device 14 by observing the monitor 4.

[0068] In this way, the bending action can be confirmed during the pre-use inspection within the dome-shaped part 2c, which is kept in a sterile state.

[0069] Alternatively, markings (such as grid patterns) for confirming camera performance can be set within the field of view of the camera device 14, either in place of the aforementioned white area 2e or based on the white area 2e. This allows for further confirmation of camera performance as a pre-use inspection of the endoscope 1 while it is packaged in the packaging 2.

[0070] Once the pre-use checks are complete and it is time to insert endoscope 1 into the patient, open package 2. Remove endoscope 1 from package 2 and perform the endoscopic examination.

[0071] According to this first embodiment, since the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12 of the endoscope 1 are packaged by the packaging 2, the sterilization state of the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12 can be maintained while the packaging 2 is unopened.

[0072] Connector 13a is disposed on the outside of the package 2. Therefore, the endoscope 1 can be connected to the endoscope processor 3 and the like for pre-use checks while the package 2 is unopened. As a result, during the pre-use check, the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12 will not come into contact with the air in the endoscope examination chamber. Moreover, the time from opening the package 2 to inserting the insertion part 11 into the patient can be shortened.

[0073] Alternatively, the package 2 can remain unopened until just before the insertion part 11 is inserted into the test subject. This minimizes the risk (probability) of environmental bacteria adhering to the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12, and avoids compromising the sterilization process.

[0074] [Second Implementation]

[0075] Figure 5 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown as a top view illustrating the configuration of the endoscope system. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate; the main differences are explained.

[0076] In addition to the endoscope 1 and the packaging 2, the endoscope system of this embodiment also includes a second packaging 2A. The packaging 2 is the first packaging, relative to the second packaging 2A.

[0077] Similar to the first embodiment, the packaging 2 maintains the sterilization state of the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12 by means of the packaging body 2X packaging insertion part 11 and operation part 12.

[0078] The second package 2A is configured as a sterile package (sterilized encapsulation). The second package 2A does not encapsulate the package 2, but instead encapsulates a portion of the universal cable 13 disposed outside the package 2 along with the connector 13a. In this way, the sterile state of the portion of the universal cable 13 and the connector 13a is maintained.

[0079] A seal 2Aa is provided on the outer edge of the second package 2A to seal the space 2Ab containing a portion of the universal cable 13 and the connector 13a. The seal 2Aa is also heat-sealed, for example, similar to the seal 2a. Furthermore, in addition to heat sealing, the portion of the universal cable 13 overlapping with the seal 2a or the seal 2Aa may also be coated with an adhesive or filler. Such an adhesive or filler can improve the sealing performance.

[0080] Furthermore, the seals 2a and 2Aa of the portion of package 2 adjacent to the second package 2A are configured to be separate. Therefore, even if the second package 2A is opened, package 2 will not be opened simultaneously.

[0081] Package 2 and second package 2A enclose the entire endoscope 1 without gaps, maintaining the sterility of the entire endoscope 1.

[0082] During the pre-use inspection, package 2A is opened and connector 13a is connected to endoscope processor 3. Package 2 is not opened at this time. Therefore, connector 13a and part of universal cable 13 remain sterile until the pre-use inspection is performed.

[0083] Afterwards, when the pre-use inspection is completed and it is time to insert the endoscope 1 into the patient, the package 2 is opened and the endoscope 1 is removed. The endoscopic examination is then performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0084] According to this second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment described above is achieved. Furthermore, the connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13 are packaged in the second package 2A. Therefore, the connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13 are maintained in a sterile state while the second package 2A remains unopened.

[0085] If only the second package 2A is opened, the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12 will remain sterilized by the package 2. In this state, the connector 13a can be connected to the endoscope processor 3, etc., to perform a pre-use inspection of the endoscope 1.

[0086] [Third Implementation]

[0087] Figure 6 The third embodiment of the present invention is shown as a top view illustrating the configuration of the endoscope system. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions are omitted appropriately; the main differences are explained.

[0088] In addition to the endoscope 1 and the packaging 2, the endoscope system of this embodiment also includes a second packaging 2B. The packaging 2 is the first packaging, relative to the second packaging 2B.

[0089] Similar to the first and second embodiments, the packaging 2 maintains the sterilization state of the insertion part 11 and the operation part 12 by means of the packaging body 2X packaging insertion part 11 and operation part 12.

[0090] The second package 2B is configured as a sterile package (sterilized encapsulation), which packages the entire endoscope 1 together with the package 2.

[0091] A seal 2Ba is provided on the outer edge of the second package 2B. The second package 2B seals the space 2Bb containing the connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13, as well as the package 2. The seal 2Ba is also heat-sealed, for example, in the same manner as the seal 2a. Furthermore, in addition to heat sealing, the portion of the universal cable 13 overlapping the seal 2a may also be coated with an adhesive or filler. Such an adhesive or filler can improve the sealing performance.

[0092] The second package 2B packages the connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13, which are located outside the package 2, together with the package 2 to maintain their sterility. Therefore, the second package 2B maintains the sterility of the entire endoscope 1.

[0093] The second package 2B is opened during the pre-use inspection phase. This maintains the sterility of connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13 until the pre-use inspection is performed. When the second package 2B is opened, connector 13a can be connected to the endoscope processor 3.

[0094] The pre-use inspection is performed while the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12 are packaged in the packaging 2. Therefore, the sterilization state of the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12 is maintained.

[0095] Then, after the pre-use check is completed and just before inserting the endoscope 1 into the patient, the package 2 is opened to remove the endoscope 1. The endoscopic examination is then performed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

[0096] According to this third embodiment, the same effect is achieved as in the first and second embodiments described above. Connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13 are packaged together with package 2 in a second package 2B. Therefore, the connector 13a and a portion of the universal cable 13 are maintained in a sterile state while the second package 2B remains unopened.

[0097] Even if the second package 2B is opened, the insertion part 11 and the operating part 12 are kept sterile by the package 2. Therefore, the connector 13a can be connected to external devices such as the endoscope processor 3 to perform pre-use checks on the endoscope 1.

[0098] [Fourth Implementation]

[0099] Figures 7 to 9 The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the basic configuration of the endoscope system in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first to third embodiments, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate; the main differences are explained.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the endoscope system includes an endoscope 1 and a package 2C. The package 2C differs in shape and configuration from the package 2 of the first embodiment.

[0101] Package 2C is configured as a sterile package (sterilized encapsulation). Package 2C encapsulates the first part of the endoscope 1 through package body 2CX. Here, the first part refers to the insertion part 11, the operation part 12, and the part of the universal cable 13 excluding connector 13a. In this way, the first part is maintained in a sterile state.

[0102] A seal 2Ca is provided on the outer edge of the package 2C. The package 2C forms a space 2Cb containing the insertion part 11, the operation part 12, and the universal cable 13, excluding the connector 13a. The seal 2Ca is also formed, for example, by heat sealing, similar to the seal 2a. The connector 13a, which is the second part of the endoscope 1, is disposed on the outer side of the outer edge of the package 2C (the outer edge of the package body 2CX).

[0103] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a specific configuration example of the endoscope system in the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 The text shows that... Figure 7 A more concrete example of the basic components of an endoscope system is shown.

[0104] exist Figure 8 In a specific example, connector 13a is configured to face upwards. The edge of the package 2C near connector 13a is made into a smooth curve to facilitate connection of connector 13a to endoscope processor 3.

[0105] A hole 2Cf is provided in the package 2C, and the connector 13a extends from the hole 2Cf. The hole 2Cf is, for example, provided as part of the seal 2Ca in the outer edge of the package 2C. Furthermore, the location of the hole 2Cf is not limited to the outer edge of the package 2C, but can also be the center, corner, etc. of the package 2C. As described later, the engaging member 15, which forms part of the seal, can also be adjusted to a predetermined position that facilitates heat sealing (see reference). Figure 10 ). Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the engagement position of the packaging component 2C and the engagement member 15 in the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment described above. Figure 10 In the example, the package 2C is set to a rectangular shape, and a connecting member 15 is arranged in the center (or near the center) of the package body 2CX.

[0106] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a coupling member 15 is provided on the base end side of connector 13a or on the front end side of the portion of universal cable 13 excluding connector 13a, for engaging with package 2C.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the engagement member 15 that engages with the package 2C in the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment.

[0108] The coupling member 15 is, for example, a resin member formed into a flat ring shape using the same resin material as the package 2C. The annular inner periphery 15a of the coupling member 15 is hermetically bonded to the base end side of the connector 13a or the front end side of the universal cable 13 excluding the connector 13a. Here, the hermetically bonded connection between the inner periphery 15a of the coupling member 15 and the base end side of the connector 13a or the front end side of the universal cable 13 excluding the connector 13a can be achieved, for example, using an adhesive.

[0109] Furthermore, the joining member 15 is hermetically joined to the package 2C surrounding the hole 2Cf at its outer peripheral side 15b. Therefore, the diameter of the hole 2Cf is larger than the inner diameter of the annular joining member 15 and smaller than its outer diameter. Here, the hermetically joined between the outer peripheral side 15b of the joining member 15 and the package 2C can be, for example, a heat seal based on thermal fusion.

[0110] The space 2Cb containing the insertion part 11, the operating part 12, and the universal cable 13 (excluding the connector 13a) of the first part is sealed by the joined package 2C and the joining member 15. Thus, the base end of the connector 13a or the front end of the universal cable 13 (excluding the connector 13a) is secured to the package 2C using the joining member 15. The connector 13a, which is the second part of the endoscope 1, is positioned on the outer side of the outer edge of the package 2C.

[0111] Similar to embodiments 1 to 3, the pre-use inspection is performed while the endoscope 1, except for the connector 13a, is sealed by the packaging 2C and the connecting member 15. Therefore, during the pre-use inspection, the first part of the endoscope 1 does not come into contact with the air in the endoscopy chamber. Furthermore, the time from opening the packaging 2C to inserting the insertion part 11 into the patient's body can be shortened.

[0112] Afterwards, when the pre-use check is completed and just before inserting the endoscope 1 into the patient, the package 2C is opened. The endoscope 1 is removed from the package 2C and the endoscopic examination is performed in essentially the same manner as in embodiments 1 to 3.

[0113] At this time, since the engaging member 15 is located near the connector 13a, the operation of the endoscope 1 will not be hindered even if the endoscope 1 is engaged with the engaging member 15. It is possible to configure the engaging member 15 such that a weak portion is provided, and the engaging member 15 can be separated from the endoscope 1 by the external force of opening the package 2C. In this case, it is preferable that the endoscope 1 is not kept engaged with the engaging member 15 after opening.

[0114] When the engaging member 15 is configured to be separate from the endoscope 1, the engaging member 15 may also be placed at a desired location on the connector 13a or at a desired location on the portion of the universal cable 13 other than the connector 13a.

[0115] According to this fourth embodiment, the same effect is achieved as in the first to third embodiments described above. Moreover, since the endoscope 1 is packaged in the package 2C using the joining member 15, it is not necessary to directly join the package 2 to the endoscope 1 as in the first embodiment, making the joining operation of the package 2C easier.

[0116] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. During implementation, the constituent elements can be modified and embodied without departing from its spirit. Additionally, various inventive solutions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments. Moreover, constituent elements from different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Thus, various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope system characterized by comprising: have: An endoscope having: an insertion portion having a bendable portion; an operating portion connected to the insertion portion; and a connector connected to an external device; A first package, which encapsulates the insertion part and the operating part to maintain the sterilization of the insertion part and the operating part, with the connector disposed on its exterior; as well as A dome-shaped portion, formed in the first package, has an interior space in which the curved portion can be bent freely, the curved portion being disposed in the space.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The dome-shaped portion is configured to be visually identifiable from the outside.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The dome-shaped portion has at least a white area for white balance.

4. The endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein, A camera device is provided at the front end of the insertion part. The white area is located along the optical axis of the camera device when the curved portion is in an unbent state.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, It also has a second package that packages the connector disposed outside the first package to maintain the connector in a sterile state.

6. The endoscopic system according to claim 5, wherein, The second package does not contain the first package. The first and second packages seamlessly encapsulate the entire endoscope, maintaining its sterile state.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein, The second package contains the first package and the connector to maintain the sterilization of the first package and the connector.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is located at the other end of a general-purpose cable that is connected to the operating unit at one end.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 8, wherein, The connector, or the portion of the universal cable other than the connector, is provided with a engagement member that engages with the first package.

10. The endoscopic system according to claim 9, wherein, The joining member is a resin member joined to the first package by heat fusion.

11. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The endoscope is a single-use endoscope that is disposed of after one use.

12. A package for an endoscope, characterized by have: The main body of the package includes an insertion part of an endoscope having a bendable curved portion and an operating part connected to the insertion part; A dome-shaped portion, integrally formed into the main body of the package, having an internal space; and A sealing element is formed on the outer edge of the package body, and the connector for connecting the endoscope to an external device is disposed on the outer side of the outer edge. The curved portion is arranged in the space of the dome-shaped portion.

13. The endoscope packaging according to claim 12, wherein, A universal cable is provided between the operating part and the connector of the endoscope. It is sealed with the general-purpose cable passing through the seal.

14. An endoscope system, characterized in that, have: An endoscope comprising an insertion portion, an operating portion, and a connector configured for connection to an external device, wherein the insertion portion includes a bend, and wherein the operating portion is connected to the insertion portion; and Packaging material, which is sealed to form an internal space, wherein the internal space is a sterile environment. Wherein, a portion of the packaging material forming the internal space has a dome-shaped portion that is self-supporting and dome-shaped, and The insertion portion is located within the internal space, and the curved portion is located within the dome-shaped portion.

15. The endoscopic system according to claim 14, wherein, The dome-shaped portion defines a space. At least the front end portion of the curved section is located within the space. In the maximum bending position, the front end portion of the bent portion does not contact the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion, and the connector is disposed on the outside of the packaging material.

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